Sun Jan 12 05:51:58 UTC 2025: **HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System Achieves Major Milestone Ahead of Aero India 2025**
Bengaluru, January 12, 2025 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the engine ground run of its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) – Warrior full-scale demonstrator on January 11, 2025. This significant milestone comes just ahead of next month’s Aero India 2025 air show.
The CATS program, a flagship project for HAL, integrates various indigenous technologies, including the Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC)’s aircraft design and integration, the Software and Life Sciences Research & Development Centre (SLRDC)’s mission computer, and the Aero Engine Research & Development Centre (AERDC)’s power plant. This showcases the synergy between HAL’s different R&D centers.
The CATS system, which uses the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as its mothership, comprises three key components: Hunter, Alpha, and Warrior. Previous statements from HAL indicate that Hunter can conduct deep strikes into enemy territory, Alpha will be equipped with swarm drones, and Warrior can penetrate up to 700 km into enemy territory to carry out attacks. The system aims to minimize the risk to pilots by performing attacks remotely.
A CATS simulator, featuring the Tejas-MAX cockpit, was showcased at Aero India 2021, demonstrating the integrated and autonomous capabilities of the wingman platforms and drone swarming. The prototype aircraft is scheduled for unveiling at Aero India 2025.
First Piper 